Melanie B. (tamajinn) reviewed The Quiet Room : A Journey Out of the Torment of Madness on + 64 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
From the back cover:
"At seventeen Lori Schiller was the perfect child -- the only daughter of an affluent, close-knit family. Six years later she made her first suicide attempt, then wandered the streets of New York City dressed in ragged clothes, tormenting voices crying out in her mind. Lori Schiller had entered the horrifying world of full-blown schizophrenia. She began an ordeal of hospitalizations, halfway houses, relapses, more suicide attempts, and constant, withering despair. But against all odds, she survived. Now in this personal account, she tells how she did it, taking us not only into her own shattered world, but drawing on the words of the doctors who treated her and family members who suffered with her. Moving, harrowing, and ultimately uplifting, THE QUIET ROOM is a classis testimony to the ravages of mental illness and the power of perseverance and courage."
"At seventeen Lori Schiller was the perfect child -- the only daughter of an affluent, close-knit family. Six years later she made her first suicide attempt, then wandered the streets of New York City dressed in ragged clothes, tormenting voices crying out in her mind. Lori Schiller had entered the horrifying world of full-blown schizophrenia. She began an ordeal of hospitalizations, halfway houses, relapses, more suicide attempts, and constant, withering despair. But against all odds, she survived. Now in this personal account, she tells how she did it, taking us not only into her own shattered world, but drawing on the words of the doctors who treated her and family members who suffered with her. Moving, harrowing, and ultimately uplifting, THE QUIET ROOM is a classis testimony to the ravages of mental illness and the power of perseverance and courage."
Dian and Beth W. (Riku) reviewed The Quiet Room : A Journey Out of the Torment of Madness on + 45 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very interesting look into schizophrenia. It also gives perspectives of the parents, siblings, friends and care givers during this time. She describes the beginning of the illness and how it progressed.
Ann T. (annt) reviewed The Quiet Room : A Journey Out of the Torment of Madness on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent first-person account of the ravages of schizophrenia; somewhat dated, as medications have advanced significantly since it was written. Hopeful.
Jennifer G. reviewed The Quiet Room : A Journey Out of the Torment of Madness on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This account of a woman's life as she tries to cope with her mental illness was very compelling. I was amazed with the progress that has been made in treating and understanding mental illnesses in just the past twenty years. Lori Schiller's experience also gave me insight into the world of torment where many people live--even when they are being treated for their illness. I also liked that Schiller included chapters from other perspectives: her family members and her doctors. These accounts provided insight to both Schiller's experience and the struggles that her family and caretakers endured. If you know someone with a severe mental illness or if you work with people who suffer from mental illness, it is a must-read!
Jeanne T. reviewed The Quiet Room : A Journey Out of the Torment of Madness on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An amazing first hand look into the world of schizophrenia. Thoroughly engrossing.